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About this project

Pat McGee is a songwriting fool!

He’s heading into the studio to cut his dream album with session legends, in addition to recording holiday tunes and new PMB music with the original members. Thanks to Kickstarter, YOU can be a huge part of it!

ALL KICKSTARTER DONATIONS SMALL & LARGE ARE APPRECIATED MORE THAN YOU KNOW! EACH PLEDGE WILL GAIN ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES STUDIO UPDATES!

May 1st, 2014 (UPDATE)

Pat and his buddy, Les writing tunes together.

STRETCH GOAL, COOL REWARDS!

Please help me reach my $73K goal over the next 11 days and I guarantee you that EVERYONE wins!

This support from the fans has been humbling, overwhelming and inspiring—which is why I've been working behind the scenes these past few weeks, in effort to take this once-in-a-lifetime project to another level.

I'm now looking to go beyond making a legendary seventies-fueled album with some of the most-talented musicians on the planet—adding a full-fledged Palladia-style documentary of the process, as well as the two-decade history of the Pat McGee Band. This is something I've longed to do for years now and the timing is finally right with this project on the horizon.

We will capture some incredible footage at next month's "Down The Hatch" event and will cover everything up through the albums recording, release and so forth, while also mixing in vintage footage from years passed.

A big part of the documentary's narrative will be a focus on this loyal fan base and why you guys are such a huge part of what I do day in and day out, as well as how ALL OF YOU helped make this album a reality.

My brother Hugh is a physical therapist and you know what he says is the key to a healthy body and mind? STRETCHING.

If I am able to reach my $73K stretch goal over the next 11 days, I am asking you to send either a photo or brief video clip (iPhone is perfect!) of what my music means to you or a vintage PMB memory.

We will not only list your name in the documentary's final credits, but will also work as many of the images and photos into the final cut in some way, shape or form—giving you a "hey look, that's me" moment on this project in which you invested.

While it'd be impossible to include all of you in the intimate moments of the recording process, long-time fans of the Pat McGee Band now have the ability to be included in the documentary, simply by helping us reach this $73K goal.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Don't forget, if we reach this new stretch goal by next Sunday night, investors in this campaign will also receive those rare and unreleased demos mentioned days back, as well as the opportunity to help pick the album title for these rare and hidden gems.

Sharing is caring and this documentary is the final piece of the project, but it'll only get done if we achieve this new stretch goal. We've come this far. Ain't no stoppin' us now. Please spread the word and help us get this done as we're official in the homestretch.

You amazingly generous people have allowed me the luxury of doing what I love for a living--writing, recording and sharing music. That gift that I shall pass on to my children—they only know this reality and hopefully will strive for nothing short of happiness. I can't thank you enough.

I am so grateful for the support you have shown me (and whether you meant it or not, to my family as well) that I want to put in place my first stretch goal.

If I am able to reach 73k (the year of my birth and much needed funds to move this project to the next level) , I will release to Kickstarter backers only, a collection of demos and unreleased songs from the beginning of time. Well my time anyway, even funny outtakes from shows. Some of these recordings, I normally would only share late at night with my closest of friends. I have unreleased tracks, demos, less than perfect couch recordings...you name it.

It will not see the light of day anywhere other than whom you chose to share it with. Be gentle ;)

I'll even hold a contest where you guys PICK THE ALBUM TITLE of this collection of um, musical embryos. It will be available for digital download to you once my "real" album is delivered to your ears.

Let's take this thang to the next level. To the year I started loving music. '73

Roller Skates and TransAms
--Pat

April 2, 2014

THE ORIGINAL POST:

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to stop by and check this whole thing out.

The music business is changing daily with many new options on how we record what we write and how you buy and listen to music. Record companies no longer control what music you can purchase and hear. But even with these new producing, buying and listening options, one thing has not changed--the strong passion for music that many people feel.

Music means the world to some people--a lot of people; people like you, and certainly me. It stirs my soul, lights a fire under my feet and inspires me to live life to its fullest. It can make a huge difference in people’s lives and I have seen that first hand.

I thank you for the support you have given me in all my musical endeavors. The only way I know how to show you my full appreciation is to write, record and release more music—the best stuff to date! And without you fans backing us artists, that process can seem quite daunting, almost impossible.

I grew up thankfully with a very musical family, not exactly in “The Partridge Family” kind of way, but more so FANS of music. We constantly spun amazing records that shaped my childhood and were truly the soundtrack to my life--at least the first 40 years. I dig it all, but really connected with certain artists whom I would later go on to emulate and attempt to honor with my own brand of music. Artists such as James Taylor and Jackson Browne, with their familiar and welcoming delivery of simple yet heart wrenching Americana tales. There was also the rocker in me with the attitude of Zeppelin and the free form vibe of The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead, always with The Beatles infectious melodies in the back of my brain.

All these flavors, with the original “JT” & ”JB” (Sorry Timberlake and The Beibs) being in the forefront, heavily influenced this new batch of Pat McGee music. My new songs almost feel like grown up versions of the tunes from my first CD, From The Wood—when I wrote pretty much with one thing in mind—the first thing that came from my heart, nothing was overthought. Since 1995, I have learned a few more chords and have gained some wisdom along the way…which hopefully you will hear on this new album.

Russ Kunkel (photo credit; Lyle Lovett)

Leland Sklar (photo credit: Lyle Lovett)

The players I have assembled, as explained in my Kickstarter video, are destined (or should be) for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On bass-- Leland Sklar, on drums--Russ Kunkel, on guitar--Waddy Wachtel, and on guitars and various stringed instruments--Jeff Pevar. These gentleman alone have recorded some of the most famous songs in history by James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills and Nash, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Nicks, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, basically everything from Streisand to Toto then The Bee Gees to Phil Collins…Need I go on? Wiki ‘em and enjoy. They are absolute legends on their instruments and I am so excited they will be backing my music. The album will also feature amazing playing from Gabe Witcher (violin), Jon Graboff (pedal steel), Michael Ghegan (horns), John Redling (Hammond organ), and more.

Waddy Wachtel (photo credit: Robert Bruns)

Jeff Pevar (photo credit Mark Arinsburg)

We are planning on tracking this album in one of the nicest recording studios in Hollywood to assure we are getting the authentic sounds that I am striving for. This site makes it possible for the musicians to truly stretch out, physically but even more crucial to the process---creatively. This particular studio tracked Pink Floyd's, The Wall as well as John Lennon, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac & Carly Simon just to name a few. It's mind-blowing to think I will record my album there. I feel truly honored. We will be recording to 2 inch tape like they did back in the day to achieve that warm sound as well as pressing this release to vinyl (in addition to CD's and digitally for the web).

Boulevard Recording Studio

I have enlisted the help of my brothers in touring arms for many years, Kit Karleson and Chip Johnson to co-produce this record with me. We are working our tails off to get the vibe exactly right on each tune. In addition to this album,that includes new PMB material we are working on with JW, Al, John and Chardy AND the holiday music that I plan to release later this year. With your help, it’s going to be a very productive year of new Pat McGee music.

Obviously joining these sessions will be McAloon, Kit, Chip, The PMB guys and me. I am already feeling some sweet guest appearances. You can count on those lush harmonies, warm acoustic guitars, stellar electric guitar and bass playing with beats that will make you want to roll that top down or just put on some headphones and get yourself a solid neck workout.

**If we do not reach $42,500, the project will not be funded (your credit card will not be charged) and no rewards will be sent out. Only with your help will this project go forward, so let's do this!**

ALL BACKERS GET EXCLUSIVE STUDIO UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. WATCH AND LISTEN AS IT ALL COMES TO FRUITION!

If by chance we raise MORE than our goal, the extra money will go toward promotion, radio, touring, merchandise... all stuff that goes into making an independent record release a success. Trust me, it is much needed and would be used smartly to ensure success.

Risks and challenges

I have been writing and recording music professionally since 1993 and in that time I have experienced the highs and lows of this crazy business. I certainly understand the potential pitfalls and obstacles that can come at any point in this process (from songwriting on my couch to accepting a Grammy-- hey, why not, right?).

This time I am heading into the studio incredibly prepared and for once it seems that I am not on an unrealistic deadline imposed by someone with an agenda who doesn’t have anything to do with the album’s success. That’s not to say I am going to kick back and relax. Once I start tracking, I am at my most driven.

The single most important element is the song and seeing it through to the vision I had when first writing it. The magic happens when you also allow in those beautiful moments of live creativity in the studio—combining hard work and free form thinking, you will truly get the best stuff. It really is an intensely fun process and sometimes easy to lose sight of the original goal. I have a very clear plan as to where this music of mine is headed and the ride to get there—the realization of it all—is so exciting, it’s a road I cannot wait to share with you.

The bottom line is that I have an amazing support structure that starts with my family. My parents, however un-rock star it might sound, are the cornerstones to the success of my music career and they are still there cheering me on. My wife and children drive me to succeed and there is no prouder moment than when I will sit them all down for the family listening party.

On the crucial business front, I have made numerous contacts over the years that I have already called on them for their expertise on taking this album to the highest of heights. And without your support all of this is just a crazy dream. I have YOU, the fans to spread the word, just like we did when I sold my very first CD door to doors.

Pledge $35 or more

Pledge $50 or more

32 backers

”That's Cool”
PM cooler & signed hard copy and digital download of the New CD

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

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Pledge $60 or more

89 backers

“We’re Hanging This In Our Living Room, Right Rebecca? Honey, Can I Call You Rebecca?”
Signed sheet music for “Rebecca”(or a PMB song of your choosing) & signed hard copy and digital download of the new CD

Pledge $80 or more

10 backers

“Pats Parents Basement Grab Bag”
Pat will send you signed extremely limited edition PMB memorabilia that his parents have kept under lock and key. Shhh, don’t tell ‘em that I sent you this stuff ☺ You're just gonna have to trust me, if you dig the band, you'll dig this stuff. For those of you who would just like old computers, broken kid toys or old copies of The New Yorker, that can be arranged too, plus signed hard copy & digital download of the new CD

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

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Pledge $100 or more

32 backers

“Look Mom & Dad, I Made The Team!”
“Team McGee” Kickstarter T-Shirt, & signed hard copy and digital download of the new CD .

Pledge $150 or more

5 backers
Limited (145 left of 150)

”It’s All About The Music”
CD/DVD Bundle: includes 7 CD’s & 1 DVD: From the Wood, Revel, General Admission, Vintage Stages Live DVD/CD, Save Me (featuring bonus acoustic tracks, No Wrong Way To Make It Right, signed hard copy of the new CD & digital download of the new CD

Pledge $400 or more

12 backers
Limited (138 left of 150)

“I’m With The Band”
"The McCollection”, plus 2 tickets to a show in the next year of your choosing, with killer seats, backstage and sound check access. (Excludes DTH tickets) Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

5 backers
Limited (145 left of 150)

“One On One”
"The McCollection” + 1 hour long Skype session where we can work on songwriting ideas (aspiring songwriters you can send your ideas via email previous to the Skype session), talk music, live performance tips, swap recipes, or just shoot the breeze about highlights from the13th century such as the Mongol Empire’s greed to take over Eastern Europe or perhaps Marco Polo’s epic journeys (Or we can just play an awkward game of Marco, Polo over the web.) Either way this could be just awesome. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

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Pledge $750 or more

2 backers
Limited (8 left of 10)

“Peepin’ Tom and Curator”

(Studio Voyeurism/ Memorablia)
A chance to watch some live overdubbing of vocals/instruments to tracks. You will get to Skype (or Facetime) in on a real studio session, checking out the behind the scenes world with Pat. Also receive some limited edition studio memorabilia, track sheets, notes on recordings, guitar strings, picks, photo’s, signed drum heads, all kinds of cool stuff that nobody else has access to. Plus, “The McCollection”. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

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Pledge $1,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (50 left of 50)

“Down The Hatch”

Two tickets to Pats epic weekend (May 29-31, 2014 or 2015 Date TBD) in The Outer Banks of North Carolina. Plus “The McCollection”. (Hotel and flights not included in the stay) Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

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Pledge $1,250 or more

0 backers
Limited (3 left of 3)

“FORE!” Pat joins (and pays green fees for) you and 3 others for 18 holes at a mutually agreeable course. This will be coordinated with touring dates or if in driving distance from DC or New England, pick a town and make a day of it. Pre and post drinks will likely ensue. Spend the day with Pat, talking about anything and everything, while he shows you how to properly slice 3 holes over. Don’t forget Pat is tight with John Daly so he may have a few tricks up his sleeve. Plus “The McCollection”.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $1,500 or more

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

”But What Will I Wear?”

Special guest appearance at a show (we'll agree on a show & a song for you to sing/play with me on stage) & “The McCollection” *United States only! Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

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Pledge $2,000 or more

2 backers
Limited (8 left of 10)

“This is My JAM! No Seriously Pat Wrote It For Me” Song written for YOU (or someone you love)! You'll get a recording of the song and handwritten lyrics, plus “The McCollection” (does not include copyright or publishing rights of the song) . Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $2,500 or more

7 backers
Limited (3 left of 10)

“Pat McGee is Playing IN My House.”
House Concert (booked 6-18 months in advance, travel included & limited to United States). Pat performs for you and your guests in your home, right there on your couch, on your kitchen island, in your man cave, wherever works. Plus, “The McCollection”. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $3,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

“McMixtape” Pat records a solo acoustic EP of your 5 favorite songs of his and delivers them to you with digital downloads. Custom versions made only for you, heard only by you. Including a Custom original song written only for you by Pat. Plus “The McCollection”. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $4,500 or more

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

“All Inclusive McNight” PM duo house concert (Booked 6-18 months in advance, travel expenses included & limited to United States) PLUS a personalized song written and recorded for you (or someone you love), handwritten lyrics of the personalized song and The McCollection”. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $5,000 or more

1 backer
All gone!

”The Ultimate Mancave Art” Signed Gibson Acoustic Guitar! This guitar will be used on the actual recordings and signed by Pat and the band members from the session. Comes with a hard case & “The McCollection” (*United States only!) Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $7,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (5 left of 5)

“Iron McChef” Pat comes to your house, cooks you dinner for a party of 8, complete with apps. Then performs a house concert for you and your guests. He writes you a custom song, of which you will get a recording. Joining Pat for this performance will be guest musicians. Travel is included, no other costs to you. Plus “The McCollection”. Your name will also appear in the liner notes.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $8,500 or more

0 backers
Limited (1 left of 1)

“Quincy Jones Move Over” Executive Producer Credit on the album, a day in the studio with Pat, where you get to hear the stuff before anyone else and check out the process of overdubbing (date: TBD), a House Concert (details above), “The McCollection”, Guest List for 2013 & 2014 shows (TBD) & 50 physical copies of the New CD .

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $10,000

1 backer
Limited (2 left of 3)

“Best Night Ever” Pat McGee Band performs in your backyard or a private place of your choosing. Travel is included for all musicians. This will be a full rock show and you can make the set list, invite whomever you want or nobody. (Wow, that would be interesting ;) Just warn the neighbors! (date TBD). Plus “The McCollection” Your name will also appear in the liner notes. PMB also cooks for you and your 8 friends, and picks up the grocery tab. Many people can go in on this type of reward, corporations, neighborhood block parties, you name it...plus 50 copies of the new CD for all your guests.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2014

Only ships to: United States

Funding period

Apr 2, 2014 - May 12, 2014
(40 days)

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